Fleet Size and Availability
There are currently 28 Citation CJ3 aircraft available for sale worldwide, including five off-market opportunities. This represents 6.8% of the fleet.
Inventory increased from 18 aircraft in January and February to 22 in March and April, 23 in May, and 27 in June. With the current total now at 28, buyers have significantly more selection than they did at the beginning of the year.
Although 6.8% of the fleet for sale does not indicate an oversupplied market, the steady increase in available aircraft is creating more competition among sellers and giving buyers greater ability to compare pedigree, equipment, and price.
Market Listings
Current asking prices range from $4,600,000 to $6,500,000, while active listings have been on the market for an average of 94 days.
The broad pricing range reflects meaningful differences in total time, engine program enrollment, damage history, cosmetics overall pedigree, and equipment (such as side facing seat, Tamarack winglets, WiFi or Collins ProLine Fusion avionics upgrade).Â
CJ3s with TAP Blue engine coverage, updated cosmetics, and upgrades generally occupy the most desirable segment of the market.
The relatively low average days on market for current listings is partly attributable to the recent increase in inventory. Many of the aircraft currently for sale are newer listings and have not yet accumulated the marketing time reflected in completed transactions.
Sales Activity
Fifteen Citation CJ3 aircraft sold during the past six months, representing 3.7% of the fleet.
Reported sale prices ranged from $3,100,000 to $5,490,000, and sold aircraft averaged 135 days on market. Monthly sales activity included no reported transactions in January, four in February, three in March, two in April, five in May, and one in June.
The five sales recorded in May demonstrate that buyers remain active when desirable aircraft become available. However, the decline to one sale in June, combined with increasing inventory, should be monitored as the market moves through the second half of the year.
Key Takeaways
• Twenty-eight CJ3 aircraft are currently available, including five off-market opportunities.
• Inventory has increased materially since the beginning of the year, providing buyers with more choices.
• Fifteen aircraft sold during the past six months, with May producing the strongest monthly activity.
• Current listings average 94 days on market, while sold aircraft averaged 135 days.
• Buyers continue to prioritize engine coverage, maintenance status, upgrades, aircraft pedigree, and overall condition.
Key Insight
The Citation CJ3 market remains active, but the steady increase in inventory is changing the competitive environment. The 94-day average for current listings should not be interpreted as evidence that aircraft are selling more quickly, as many of today’s listings have only recently entered the market. Sellers should expect buyers to compare available aircraft more carefully, making accurate pricing and clear differentiation increasingly important.
